Robotically controlled entertainment elements

ABSTRACT

A robotic mount is configured to move an entertainment element such as a video display, a video projector or a staircase. The robotic mount is movable in three-dimensions, whereby the associated entertainment element is moveable in three-dimensional space. In one embodiment, a unitary display comprises a plurality of closely spaced individual displays which are mounted to robotic mounts, whereby the configuration of the unitary display may be altered by changing the position of one or more of the displays relative to the others.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/455,638, filed Jun. 3, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/700,535, filed Jan. 30, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,545,108, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/763,669 filed Jan. 31, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the movement of entertainment elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of devices are used for entertainment purposes. Forexample, electronic displays are now extremely common and are utilizedin a variety of environments. Such displays were initially usedprimarily in television sets and to with computers. Initially, thesedisplays were primarily CRT type displays which were large and bulky.

In recent years, other display technologies have been developed. Plasma,LCD, LED and other types of displays are now commercially producible inlarge display sizes. At the same time, however, these displays aregenerally thin, thus taking up much less space than CRT type displaysoffering the same display area.

As such, these displays are now utilized for a variety of purposes. Forexample, large displays are used at stadiums to present replays ofsporting events. These types of displays are also sometimes mounted towalls in stores to present advertising information.

In order to attract attention to advertising, graphic information may bepresented on the displays. This information may comprise excitingpatterns, such as in bright colors, flashing effects and the like, todraw attention to the display. Still, these displays may be overlookedand advertisers and other users of these displays continue to seek newways to use these displays and increase their viewership.

Other types of entertainment devices may be used in other settings. Forexample, in a theatrical production, large props may be located on astage. The props may be moved into various positions to create differentscenes and various actions. The props are often moved manually, such aswith ropes and pulleys, limiting the situations where they may be usedor their effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises moveable entertainment elements and methods ofmoving one or more entertainment elements.

One embodiment of the invention is a robotic mount. The robotic mount isconfigured to support one or more entertainment elements and move theone or more entertainment elements in at least two dimensions ordirections, and preferably in three-dimensions. In one embodiment, therobotic mount comprises a base and a movable support. The base supportsthe display support, such as by resting upon a support surface or byconnection to a support, such as a wall or other element.

The moveable support is movable in at least two, and preferably three,dimensions, or directions whereby one more entertainment elementsconnected thereto are so movable. In one embodiment, the moveablesupport comprises a plurality of members which are movably connected toone another in one more directions/dimensions. The moveable support maycomprise, for example, a robotic arm having a base, a main support whichis rotatable relative to the base, a lower arm which is rotatablerelative to the main support, an upper arm which is rotatable relativeto the lower arm, and a head to which the one or more entertainmentelements are connected, the head movable relative to the upper arm.

In one embodiment, means are provided for moving the moveable support.Preferably, the means permits the moveable mount to be “automated” inthe sense that it can be moved without direct physical contact by ahuman therewith. This means may comprise one or more electric motors orthe like.

One aspect of the invention is a robotically controlled electronicdisplay. The robotically controlled electronic display preferablycomprises a robotic mount which supports and moves one or moreelectronic displays. The electronic displays may comprise, for example,flat panel electronic video displays.

In another embodiment of the invention, a unitary display may comprisetwo or more individual displays. One or more robotic mounts may beutilized to move one or more or all of the displays of the unitarydisplay. For example, each display of a unitary display comprising aplurality of displays may be associated with its own robotic mount, thuspermitting all of the displays of the unitary display to be movedindependently and/or synchronously.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a robotically controlled videoprojector. The robotically controlled video projector comprises arobotic mount which support and moves one or more video projectors. Thevideo projectors may comprise, for example, CRT or DLP type electronicvideo projectors. The robotic mount may move the one or more projectorsto cause then to display information, images, moving images or the likeupon various display surfaces such as screens, walls or floors.

Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a robotically controlledstaircase. The robotically controlled staircase comprises a roboticmount which supports and moves a staircase. The staircase preferablydefines one or more steps from a bottom end to a top end. The robotmount is preferably configured to move the staircase inthree-dimensional space, such as from ground level to one or more raisedplatforms.

One embodiment of the invention is a system including a robotic mountand a controller. The controller may be configured to accept input froma user and/or run control programs for generating instructions or outputsignals which may be used to control the robotic mount and itsassociated entertainment element (such as its associated videodisplay(s), video projector(s) or staircase). In one embodiment, such acontroller may also be configured to control information displayed bythe one or more video displays or video projectors, includingsynchronizing the movement thereof with the images displayed thereby.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a robotically controlled electronic display inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a robotically controlled unitary display comprising aplurality of individual displays in accordance with another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the unitary display of FIG. 2 with various of theindividual displays moved into different positions;

FIG. 4 illustrates the unitary display of FIG. 2 with the individualdisplays moved into different positions;

FIG. 5 illustrates a robotically controlled video projector inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a robotically controlled staircase inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the invention comprises one or more robotically-controlledobjects and objects which are moved by one or more robots, such aselectronic displays or projectors or a staircase. One embodiment of theinvention is a robotically controlled electronic display and methods ofusing robotically controlled electronic displays, such as methods ofmoving one or more electronic displays of a group of displays. Anotherembodiment is a robotically controlled video projector and methods ofusing robotically controlled projectors to display images. Yet anotherembodiment of the invention is a robotically controlled staircase andmethods of moving a staircase using one or more robots.

FIG. 1 illustrates a robotically controlled electronic display 20 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, therobotically controlled electronic display 20 comprises at least oneelectronic display 22 and a robotic or moveable display mount 24. In apreferred embodiment, the electronic display 22 is a thin-panel typedisplay, such as an LCD, LED, plasma or similar display (whether nowknown or later developed). In one embodiment, the electronic display 22has a front or viewing side 25 and an opposing rear side 26. Theelectronic display 22 has a peripheral edge 28.

In one embodiment, the electronic display 22 is generally rectangular inshape, but the display 22 may have a variety of shapes. The electronicdisplay 22 may have a display area at the front side 25, which displayarea is enclosed by a bezel, frame or the like. The display areacomprises the portion of the electronic display 22 which is capable ofdisplaying information.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic display 22 is relativelylarge, such as for viewing by person situation remotely there from. Theelectronic display 22 may be 20 inches in diagonal size (of displayarea), more preferably at least 36 inches in diagonal size, and evenmore preferably a least 50-60 inches or more in diagonal size.

The electronic display 22 is supported by the robotic mount 24. In apreferred embodiment, the robotic display mount 24 is moveable, thuspermitting the position of the electronic display 22 to be changed. In apreferred embodiment, the robotic mount 24 is referred to as “robotic”because it is a device which can change positions without direct manualinput. In particular, the robotic mount is preferably capable ofmultiple movements without manual intervention (i.e. move betweenvarious positions based upon a sequence of instructions without eachmovement being prompted by individual user input). Preferably, therobotic mount comprises a robot or robotic arm which can change theposition of the display in at least two (2), and preferably three (3),dimensions or directions.

FIG. 1 illustrated one embodiment of a robotic mount 24. In oneembodiment, the robotic mount 24 comprises a base and a display support.The base is configured to connect or support the display mount andassociated display to a support, and the display support is preferablymovable relative to the base, thus permitting an associated display tobe movable relative to the base and the associated support.

Referring to FIG. 1, the base 30 may have a variety of configurations,including various shapes and sizes. In general, the base 30 isconfigured to be mounted to or supported by a support surface, such as awall, floor or other support, such as a portion of another object. Thebase 30 may have a generally planar bottom or lower surface for engaginga generally planar support surface, or may have other configurations forengaging support surfaces of other shapes. In one embodiment, the base30 may include one or more apertures for accepting fasteners which areplaced into engagement with the support surface, for securing the base30 in a fixed position by temporarily or permanently connecting the base30 to that surface.

In a preferred embodiment, a movable support is positioned between thebase 30 and the electronic display 22. This support is preferablymoveable in at least two (2), and more preferably three (3), dimensions.By “two” or “three-dimensions” it is preferably meant the standardCartesian two or three-dimensional space, such that the support iscapable of moving the display about, or relative to, at least two of an“x”, a “y” and a “z” axis.

As illustrated, in one embodiment, the robotic arm includes a mainsupport 32. In one embodiment, the main support 32 is mounted forrotation relative to the base 30, i.e. about the “y”-axis as illustratedin FIG. 1. The main support 32 may be mounted, for example, on a bearingsupported shaft which is connected to the base 30, or by other means.

In one embodiment, a lower arm 34 is rotatably mounted to the mainsupport 32. As illustrated, the main support 32 has a first portionmounted to the base 30 and a second portion to which the lower arm 34 ismounted. In a preferred embodiment, the lower arm 34 is rotatablymounted to the main support 32 about a shaft or other mount. In theconfiguration illustrated, the lower arm 34 is mounted for rotationabout a “z”-axis (i.e. an axis which is generally perpendicular to theaxis about which the base 30 rotates).

As further illustrated, an upper arm 36 is rotatably mounted to thelower arm 34. In one embodiment, a first or distal portion of the lowerarm 34 is mounted to the main support 32, and the upper arm 36 ismounted to a top or proximal portion of the lower arm 34. In oneembodiment, the upper arm 36 is also mounted for rotation about the “z”axis.

In one embodiment, a head 38 is located at a distal portion of the upperarm 36. Preferably, the display 25 is mounted to the mount 24 via thehead 38. In one embodiment, the head 38 is mounted for rotation relativeto the upper arm 36 (and thus the remainder of the mount 24). In oneconfiguration, a first portion 40 of the head 38 is mounted for rotationabout an “x” axis relative to the upper arm 36 (i.e., about an axiswhich is perpendicular to both the “y” and “z” axes, and thus about anaxis which is generally perpendicular to the axis about which the mainsupport 32 and upper and lower arms 36, 34 rotate).

Further, in the embodiment illustrated, a second portion 42 of the head38 is mounted for rotation relative to the first portion 40 and theupper arm 36, about the “z”-axis. As illustrated, the display 22 ismounted to the second portion 42 of the head 38.

The various portions of the mount 24 may be connected to one another ina variety of fashions. For example, the various portions may beconnected to one another via a shaft and bearing mount, where the shaftis connected to one component and engages one or more bearings supportedby the other component, such that the shaft may move relative to thebearing(s), thus permitting the components to move relative to oneanother. The portions of the mount 24 might be mounted to one another inother fashions, however, such as by hinged mounting or the like.

Preferably, the mount 24 includes means for moving the one or moreportions thereof, and thus the display 22 connected thereto. Asillustrated, the mount 24 may include one or more motors M for movingthe components thereof. The motors M may be electrical motors. In otherembodiments, hydraulics or other means may be utilized to move one ormore of the components of the mount 24. For example, a hydraulic armmight be utilized to move the upper arm 36 relative to the lower arm 34in an up and down direction.

In one embodiment, the display 22 may be detachably connected to themount 24, such as to permit the display 22 to be changed or serviced.The display 22 might be connected to a supporting frame, for example.That frame might then be connected to the mount 24, such as byconnecting the frame to the head 38 with one or more fasteners.

As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the mount 24 is configured tomove the display 22 in three-dimensions, or combinations thereof. Theparticular configuration of the mount 24 may vary for accomplishing thistask. For example, while the mount 24 described above is “redundant” inits capacity to move in certain directions (i.e. the upper and lowerarms 36,34 are both configured to move about the “z” axis), the mount 24could be configured in other fashions (such as by having only a singleportion configured to move in each direction). It will also beappreciated that the number of members or elements which the displaymount comprises may vary. For example, the display mount might comprisea base and a head which is mounted to the based, such as via a swivel,permitting the head to be moved in at least two dimensions. Variousconfigurations of members may also be utilized to effect movement invarious directions. For example, aside from swivels or the rotatingconnections of the display mount illustrated in FIG. 1, members may beconfigured to telescope, slide or otherwise move linearly (i.e. movealong an axis rather than about an axis), or be configured to move alongpaths other than curved paths. For example, the mount 24 may beconfigured to move about the “x” axis, such as to permit the display tobe tilted up and down, to move about the “y” axis, such as to permit thedisplay to be swiveled from side to side, and to simply move along the“z” axis, such as to permit the display to be moved in and out (such astowards or away from a wall/viewer).

In the embodiment illustrated, a single display 22 is connected to asingle mount 24. In another embodiment of the invention, referring toFIG. 2, a unitary display 122 may comprise a plurality of individual orindependent displays 22 located in proximity to one another. In oneembodiment, one or more of those individual displays 22 may be mountedto a mount 24, and thus be configured for movement.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a unitary display 122 comprisingnine (9) displays 22. All nine displays 22 are preferably mounted to anassociated mount (not shown). In this manner, each of the nine displays22 may be moved by their associated mount.

FIG. 2 illustrates the displays 22 in an orientation where they arelocated adjacent to one another in a matrix, and in a common plane. Inthe configuration illustrated, there is a central display surrounded bytop, bottom, side and corner displays.

The displays 22 may be moved, however, to other locations and thus otherorientations or positions relative to one another. For example, FIG. 3illustrates the displays 22 in a “flower” configuration where the top,bottom and side displays are tilted forward relative to the plane whichcontains the central display. The corner displays are rotated and thensimilarly tilted inwardly. In this configuration, the displays arepositioned like the slightly closed pedals of a rose or other flower.

FIG. 4 illustrates the displays 22 again arranged in a matrix and in asingle plane. However, in this configuration, the displays 22 have allbeen rotated 90 degrees, so that the unitary display 122 is taller thanwider.

In one embodiment, each display 22 of the unitary display 122 has anassociated robotic mount. In this manner, each display 22 may be movedindependently of the other. In another embodiment, multiple displays maybe coupled to or otherwise associated with a single mount (such thatgroups of displays are movable together). In yet another embodiment, oneor more of the displays 22 may be fixed and others may be connected to amount 24 for movement.

In one embodiment, means may be provided for controlling a single mount(such as illustrated in FIG. 1) or one or more or all of a plurality ofmounts associated with a unitary display (such as illustrated in FIG.2). In one embodiment, one or more mounts may be controlled by acontroller. The controller might comprise, for example, anelectronically or mechanically operated controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller may comprise or include acomputing device. Various instructions may be provided from thecontroller to the one or more robots/robotic mounts, causing therobots/robotic mounts to move. For example, a user might provide aninput to the controller, which input is a request to move a particulardisplay from a first to a second position. The controller may generateone more signals or instructions which are transmitted to the requiredmount for causing the mount to so move the display. The signal mightcomprise opening of a switch which allows electricity to flow to one ormore motors for a predetermined period time which is necessary for themotor to effect the desired movement. In another embodiment, the signalmight comprise an instruction which is received by sub-controller of themount, which sub-controller then causes the mount to move as desired.

In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to cause a singlemount or multiple mounts to move in various patterns or other desireddirections. For example, the controller might be programmed to cause thedisplays to move in a particular pattern. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, forexample, the controller may be configured to move the displays from theposition illustrated in FIG. 2 to that illustrated in FIG. 3 or 4, orvice versa. The controller may be custom-programmed or might beconfigured to execute pre-set sequences of movement. For example, thedisplays may be configured to move at certain times, into certainpositions or in certain patterns, to move with music or the like (suchmusic might be presented via speakers associated with the display or viaa separate sound system or the like).

In one embodiment, the controller may include a processing unit capableof executing machine readable code or “software.” As indicated, thatsoftware may comprise a set of instructions which, when executed, causethe controller to move one or more displays in a predetermined motion orpattern, randomly or otherwise. The software might also or insteadsimply comprise a set of instructions which permits a user to providemanual input to cause a display or displays to move, either in directresponse thereto or to generate a “programmed” movement (which may beimplemented immediately or be stored for implementation at a latertime).

The controller might communicate with the robotic mount via wired orwireless communications. For example, the controller might comprise adesk-top computer running a control program. The desk-top computer mighttransmit signals via a RS-232 communication link including a wiredpathway to the motor or controller of the robotic mount. Alternatively,the desk-top computer and display mount controller might both includewireless transceivers. In this manner, the controller and roboticmount(s) may be located remotely from one another. The same computermight output images or a video feed to the one or more displays.

In one embodiment, video information may be transmitted to the displayor displays either independently of control instructions or dependentlytherewith. For example, the controller may be configured to bothgenerate display information and/or transmit display information to thedisplays, and control the mounts. The controller might be configured tomove the mounts/displays based upon the information which is displayedby the one or more displays. In one embodiment, the one or more displaysmay be moved synchronously with information displayed by the displays.For example, the displays might be moved synchronously with imagesdisplayed by the displays or with music or other accompanyinginformation.

The invention has numerous advantages. One aspect of the invention is amovable display. The display may preferably be moved in three-dimensions(i.e. about three axes which are all perpendicular to one another). Inone embodiment, the display is mounted to a display mount having adisplay support which is movable in three dimensions. Preferably, meansare provided for automatically or remotely moving the display. Asindicated, this may comprise changing the position of one or moreportions of the robotic mount.

One aspect of the invention is a method of remotely or automaticallychanging the position of a display. For example, a display may bemounted to a wall or ceiling in a public area and the position of thatdisplay may be changed at various times in an automatic fashion (asopposed to “manual” manner, where the position is changed by a personphysically moving the display or its associated mount). This has theadvantage that the position of a display may be moved for variouspurposes, such as for entertainment, for optimizing viewing angle, fordirecting information to viewers in certain locations or areas, or forother reasons. The display might also be mounted to a wall of a home andbe controlled by a user to change the viewing position of the display.

Another embodiment of the invention is a robotically controlledprojector 120. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a roboticallycontrolled projector 120. Preferably, the robotically controlledprojector 120 comprises at least one projector 122 and at least onerobotic mount 124. The projector 122 may be of a variety of types nowknown or later developed. Preferably, the projector 120 is configured toproject one or more images or a sequence of images (video) onto one ormore surfaces. For example, the projector 120 might comprise a digitallight processing (“DLP”) projector, a CRT, LCD, or other type ofprojector. In one embodiment, the robotically controlled projector 120includes a single projector. However, as illustrated, it might include anumber of projectors 122 a, 122 b, etc.

The robotic mount 124 preferably comprises a robot or robotic armsimilar to that described above and will thus not be described hereinagain in detail. In particular, the robotic mount 124 is configured tomove the at least one projector 122 in at least two (2), and preferablythree (3) dimensions. As also indicated above, the roboticallycontrolled projector 120 may also include a controller. The controllermay be configured to cause the projector 122 to display images or videoat certain times, and may be configured to cause the robotic mount 124to move the projector 122, such as in certain paths.

The projector 122 is preferably mounted to the robotic mount 124. Themount 124 may be used to move the projector 122, thus causing theprojector 122 to display images or video at various locations. Forexample, a robotically controlled projector 120 might be located in alobby and be used to display various information or images upon a screenor another projection surface such as a wall, a floor or the like. Therobotically controlled projector 120 might be used in a theater toproject background images or the like.

It will be appreciated that, like the robotically controlled displaydescribed above, more than one robotically controlled projector 120might be used in tandem. For example, two robotically controlledprojectors 120 might each have a single projector 122. The tworobotically controlled projectors 120 may be configured to move invarious patterns together or independent of one another, such as to showjoint images, synchronous images or the like.

Of course, various other of the features of the robotically controlleddisplay 20 described above may be applied to the robotically controlledprojector 120.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a roboticallycontrolled staircase 220. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a roboticallycontrolled staircase 220. The robotically controlled staircase 220comprises a staircase 222 and a robot or robotic mount 224 which isconfigured to move the staircase 222.

The staircase 222 may have various configurations. In one embodiment,the staircase 222 comprises a supporting body or structure 226. Thestaircase 222 preferably includes a plurality of steps 228. Each step228 may comprise a riser 230 and a landing 232. Each riser 230preferably extends generally vertically upward. The number of steps 228,and thus the number of risers 230, may vary. Preferably, there is atleast one step 228. More preferably, however, there are a plurality ofsteps 228. The depth of each landing 232 and the height of each riser230 may be configured to conform to local building or other codes.

Preferably, the staircase 222 has a first or bottom end 234 and a secondor top end 236. The top end 236 is preferably higher than the bottom end234. The total change in elevation is dependent upon the number of steps228 and the height of the risers 230. The staircase 222 may be straightor it might be spiral, have one or more bends or the like.

In one embodiment, the staircase 222 may be configured to mate with oneor more other elements or structures. For example, the staircase 222 maybe configured to dock or mate to a supporting platform (not shown). Tothis end, the top end 236 and bottom end 234 of the staircase 222 mayend or terminate in a landing 232. This allows the top and bottom ends236,234 to rest upon a supporting surface or platform at generally thesame elevation thereof. In one embodiment, the landing at the top end236 and/or bottom end 234 of the staircase 222 may be larger than thestep landings 232. For example, each of the top and bottom end landingsmay be sufficiently large to permit one more persons to easily standthereon (whereas the step landings are primarily configured to permit auser to simply step thereon as they climb the staircase).

In one embodiment, the staircase 222 may include other features. Forexample, the staircase 222 may include one or more handrails (notshown). The staircase 222 has a width between opposing sides. This widthmay vary, such as being 36 or 48 inches, for example. A handrail may belocated at each side of the staircase to prevent a user from falling offof the staircase and to provide support to users. Likewise, the landing232 at the top end 236 and bottom end 234 of the staircase 222 mayinclude an enclosure. Such an enclosure may be selectively opened andclosed to permit ingress to and egress from the staircase, but preventsuch during movement of the staircase. Such an enclosure might comprisea rail, a chain, or the like. For example, a swinging gate may belocated at both the top and bottom ends 236,234 of the staircase 222 tocontrol ingress to and egress from the staircase 222.

In one embodiment, the body 226 of the staircase 222 might comprise asuperstructure which supports the steps 228. For example, the body 226might comprise a metal framework. The steps 228 might be constructedfrom wood and be supported by that framework. In another embodiment, thebody 226 might define the steps 228. For example, the staircase 222might be constructed from metal, such as step elements which are weldedto one another to form a unitary structure.

The mount 224 preferably comprises a robot or robotic arm similar tothat described above and will thus not be described herein again indetail (for example, such may comprise a base and a moveable support, asdetailed above). In particular, the mount 224 is configured to move thestaircase 222 in at least two (2), and preferably three (3) dimensions.As also indicated above, the robotically controlled staircase 220 mayalso include a controller to move the staircase 222 in certain paths.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the staircase 222 is preferably mountedto the mount 224. As illustrated, an adaptor 240 may be used to connectthe staircase 222 and the robotic mount 224. The adaptor 240 may havevarious configurations. FIG. 7 illustrates one configuration in whichthe adaptor 240 engages a bottom portion of one or more of the steps228. However, the adaptor 240 could have other configurations, such asdepending upon the configuration of the staircase 222, including thebody 226 or supporting structure thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the robotic mount 224 is configured to movethe staircase 222 between various positions. For example, the roboticmount 224 may move the staircase 222 into a position in which its bottomend 234 is positioned on the ground. A user may then step onto thestaircase 222 from the ground, such as by stepping onto a lower landing232 thereof.

The robotic mount 224 may then be used to move the staircase 222, andthe user standing thereon, to another location. In the preferredembodiment where the robotic mount 224 can move in three dimensions, thestaircase 222 may be moved to various positions in three-dimensionalspace which vary from an initial or starting position. FIG. 6illustrates one simplistic embodiment where the staircase 222 is movedin two dimensions: upwardly and forwardly. In this example, thestaircase 222 may be moved upwardly and forwardly, such as to dock witha raised platform 262. A user might then disembark from the staircase222 onto the platform 262.

It will be appreciated that a user may climb up and down the steps 228of the staircase 222 both while the staircase 222 is stationary and/orwhile it is moving. For example, a user might board the staircase 222 atthe bottom end 234 while it is stationary. As the staircase begins tomove to a destination, the user might climb the steps 228 to the top end236 of the staircase 222 to disembark the staircase 222 at thedestination.

The robotically controlled staircase 220 might be used in variousmanners. For example, it might be used in a theater. In such anenvironment a singer might be transported from stage level to a platformwell above stage, or from one location to another over a barrier such asa moat. The robotically controlled staircase 220 might also be used asan amusement ride. In such an embodiment, patrons might board thestaircase 220 as a ride and be transported from one location to another.In one preferred embodiment, a haunted house ride might include one ormore platforms in various locations. The platforms might lead to doorsor other points of entry. Patrons might board the staircase and betransported to one or more of those platforms where they disembark totravel into other portions of the haunted house. In one embodiment, thestaircase might move between various locations before stopping, thusproviding substantial anticipation to the riders as to their finaldestination. It is also possible for there to be more than onerobotically controlled staircase 220. The various staircases 220 mightmove independently between various locations. They might also move sothat they join together at certain times (forming longer staircases toconnect to various locations, for example) or independently at othertimes). As yet another example, a first robotically controlled staircase220 might be used to move patrons from ground level to one or moreplatforms at a first level (above ground) and then a second roboticallycontrolled staircase 220 might be used to move patrons from the firstlevel to an even higher second level (or higher).

As indicated, one or more controllers may be used to control therobotically controlled staircase 220, such as to cause it to movebetween various locations. The patterns of movement may change overtime. For example, in a haunted house ride, the robotically controlledstaircase 220 might be configured to move a first set of riders fromground level to a first platform. However, the robotically controlledstaircase 220 might be configured to move a second set of riders fromthat same ground level to a second, different platform.

Of course, the robotically controlled staircase 220 might be configuredto move between various locations other than ground level and variousplatforms. The robotically controlled staircase 220 may include variousof the other features detailed herein. For example, the roboticallycontrolled staircase 220 may be controlled by one or more controllers,such as to move in certain patterns or paths, including synchronouslywith other elements. For example, the robotically controlled staircase220 may be moved synchronously with music which is being played or withimages that are being displayed.

In accordance with the invention, a robotic mount is advantageouslyconfigured to move one or more entertainment elements, preferably inthree-dimensions. The entertainment elements may thus be “animated”,providing a much higher level of entertainment value. For example, themovement of one or more video displays adds entertainment value to theinformation or images displayed by the one or more video displays.Likewise, the movement of one or more video projectors allows thelocation of projected images to change, thus adding excitement to theimages themselves. Similarly, the movement of a staircase may be used toentertain observers or riders of the staircase.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

1. A movable video projector comprising: at least one electronic videoprojector capable of projecting visual information in response to aninput; and a robotic projector mount, said robotic projector mountcomprising a base and a moveable support, said moveable supportconfigured for movement relative to a first axis, a second axis, and athird axis, said first, second and third axes being perpendicular to oneanother, relative to said base, whereby said at least one electronicvideo projector is movable in three-dimensions by moving said roboticprojector mount.
 2. The movable video projector in accordance with claim1 wherein said moveable support comprises at least a first membermovable about said first axis, at least a second member movable aboutsaid second axis, and at least a third member movable about said thirdaxis.
 3. The movable video projector in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid moveable support comprises a main support connected to said baseand movable relative to said base about said first axis, a lower armconnected to said main support and movable about said second axis, anupper arm connected to said lower arm and movable about said secondaxis, and a head mounted to said upper arm, said at least one projectormounted to said head and said head movable about at least said thirdaxis.
 4. A movable staircase comprising: a staircase defining having atop end and a bottom end and at least two steps there between; and arobotic staircase mount, said robotic staircase mount comprising a baseand a moveable support, said moveable support configured for movementrelative to a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, said first,second and third axes being perpendicular to one another, relative tosaid base, whereby said staircase is movable in three-dimensions bymoving said robotic staircase mount.
 5. The movable staircase inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said moveable support comprises at leasta first member movable about said first axis, at least a second membermovable about said second axis, and at least a third member movableabout said third axis.
 6. The movable staircase in accordance with claim1 wherein said moveable support comprises a main support connected tosaid base and movable relative to said base about said first axis, alower arm connected to said main support and movable about said secondaxis, an upper arm connected to said lower arm and movable about saidsecond axis, and a head mounted to said upper arm, said staircasemounted to said head and said head movable about at least said thirdaxis.